Box Office: It’s a ‘Deadpool’ World

The first great box office story of 2016 continues as Deadpool delivered another monster weekend, bringing its total to an estimated $235,394,887. The Ryan Reynolds surprise hit easily dismantled all the new arrivals to the tune of an estimated $55,000,000. The film has not only changed the tapestry of R-rated superhero films but also invigorated what was potentially becoming a successful but stagnating genre.

Surprisingly, Kung Fu Panda 3 took the number two spot while Risen, The Witch, and Race debuted to decent but unspectacular numbers. As it turns out, the hype for The Witch didn’t lead to a windfall in ticket purchases. It’s now reaching the time of year where the meaty releases start coming in steady numbers, so the foulmouthed Marvel character looks to grab maybe one more chance at the throne before the Spring season kicks into overdrive.

The Numbers Game

I’ve added a little fun into the box office report. A little guessing game. Let’s see how close we can get to guessing the correct box office numbers for the movies opening next week.

Last Week:

The WitchMy Guess: $21,000,000Actual: $8,685,270Result: That’s a surprise. A generic slasher film would have done that number.

RaceMy Guess: $17,000,000Actual: $7,275,000Result: So much for stories about real human triumph.

RisenMy Guess: $11,000,000Actual: $11,800,000Result: I got this one close. What a weird world.

This week:

Gods of Egypt

The general consensus is that this film looks ridiculous. The trailer has certainly painted it as a special effects heavy riff on ancient history but there’s always the chance it can deliver much-needed unpretentious fun. I’ll give my take on the film in Friday’s weekend preview but regardless of whether director Alex Proyas delivers a winner or loser the box office hopes don’t look too bright.

My guess: $12,000,000

Triple 9

Director John Hillcoat makes interesting movies. His The Road and The Proposition have shown him to be a master of tone and style and with Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Woody Harrelson, Kate Winslet, and Aaron Paul on board his first attempt at a modern crime flick the results could be exciting. The release date doesn’t show a tremendous amount of faith, but it stands to be a solid middle tier thriller but most likely not a big hit.

My guess: $10,000,000

Eddie the Eagle

This one could either hit big or dissipate like mist. Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels actor Dexter Fletcher steps behind the camera to direct Hugh Jackman and rising star Taron Egerton in an adaptation of the true story of the first British ski jumper. It looks like a fun flick and a possible contender for the family dollar. Time will tell.